Civic Leaders whisked away for tour of Lackland AFB and Keesler AFB

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Erik Hofmeyer
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Thirty five leaders from the Miami area have become more closely acquainted with the Air Force after a two-day "Civic Leader Tour" on Feb. 12-13.

And getting a closer look at Air Force operations was exactly the point as the civic leaders hopped aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker and traveled to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and then on to Lackland AFB, Texas.

The group consisted of a wide cross section of individuals and careers to include business owners, educators, legislative assistants, local elected officials and medical professionals to name a few.

Shortly after takeoff en route to Mississippi, the guests witnessed Mako fighter pilots flying up to the KC-135 for an aerial refueling training mission. The aircrew members invited everyone to step down next to the "boom operator" as he guided the boom during the refueling.

After arriving at Keesler AFB, the group toured the base and the famed Hurricane Hunter aircraft and met with crew members to get a better understanding of their weather reconnaissance mission.

The opening day included one last flight as the assembly of civic leaders flew to Lackland Air Force Base. Friday's agenda consisted of viewing a basic military training graduation parade, a tour of a C-5 Galaxy aircraft and a flight back to Homestead Air Reserve Base.

"The Civic Leader Tour was a great opportunity for leaders in our community to get a better understanding of the Air Force and Air Force Reserve," said Col. William Binger, 482nd Fighter Wing commander. "We have a great relationship with our community, and it's valuable for these leaders to see the bigger Air Force picture."